CMPD More on the Outer Carrier Vests

 Local Charlotte media is portraying the discussion regarding CMPD's lack of outer carrier vests as a "battle" and "fight.

It should not be a fight or a battle. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings is a solid opponent of the vests. 

His biggest argument is regarding the image it gives Officers.

The argument about image however is totally without merit. 

Here's a local example:

In tourist dependent Pinehurst, North Carolina where image is everything all Police Officers wear outer carrier vests.

Speaking with Officers yesterday at the US Open they agreed, the vests are far superior. They speak of  weight distribution, comfort, the lack of back injury from heavy duty belts and most importantly safety.

As one Office said "It is far better if you are thin and don't own at lot of real estate around your middle".

The same is true with next door Southern Pines, North Carolina where the small department has also adopted outer vests. As one Southern Pines Officer told me he was surprised that Charlotte "of all places has not moved past the antiquated duty belts of the 1900's" pointing out the tired design has been basically unchanged for the last 100 years. 

You can read and if you like sign the petition here.